The Transfiguration (detail)

1518-20
Oil on wood
Pinacoteca, Vatican

The transfigured Christ floats in an aura of light and clouds above the hill. He is shown against a bright light that strongly emphasizes the outline of His figure. Its brightness creates a striking effect when seen from a distance. The outstretched arms recall the shape of the Cross on which He died, and yet the figure is not stiff but elegant in appearance.